Yicheng Yang, Zhiwei Zeng, Qiaoxi Yang, Huan Wang, Hanwen Zhang, Wenjie Yan, Peizhi Wang, Chuangshi Wang, Zhanhao Su, Pugazhenthan Thangaraju, Sher Zaman Safi, Beilan Yang, Yaoyao Wang, Jingjing Zhou, Zhiyong Zou, Yuan Huang, Songren Shu, Changming Xiong
Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Anzhen Hospital and Capital Medical University. University of Zurich. Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences. All India Institute of Medical Sciences. MAHSA University.
China, Switzerland and India
MedComm (Medical Communication)
MedComm 2025; 6:
DOI: 10.1002/mco2.70175
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) poses significant clinical management challenges due to gaps in understanding its global epidemiology. We analyzed PAH-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, and prevalence from 1990 to 2021. Age-period-cohort models and regression analyses assessed temporal trends and projected burdens to 2050. Globally, PAH-related DALYs declined by 6.6%, but increased by 13.9% in high socio-demographic index (SDI) countries. Middle SDI regions reported the highest DALYs in 1990 and 2021. Deaths rose by 48.5% worldwide, with high SDI nations experiencing a 76.6% surge. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) of DALYs and deaths decreased across SDI countries, with high-middle SDI regions showing the steepest declines. Younger age groups, especially males, had a higher proportion of global DALYs in earlier years, but the burden shifted toward older populations over time, with this trend more pronounced in high-SDI countries. Age-period-cohort analysis revealed declining DALYs in younger ages but rising rates in older cohorts. By 2050, deaths and prevalence are projected to rise, disproportionately affecting females. Significant regional disparities in PAH burden persist, necessitating targeted policies, improved healthcare access, and early detection strategies, especially in underserved areas. Addressing these disparities is critical for mitigating PAH’ s global impact.
Category
Quality of Life Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease or Adult Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes